Project unlocks opportunities for women

Recognising that unemployment is one of the leading cause of poverty, which severely affects children, the Beautiful Kidz Centre operating in Katutura has extended its community outreach initiatives and is currently working on an ambitious project, “Anusa” to empower previously disadvantaged women and help them earn an income. Anusa means “worthy” in Damara/Nama.Jennieke Blier who heads the Anusa project, said that it provides full time work for ladies whose families are living in poverty.At present, about 15 women have been trained and are now employed at the tailoring project.According to Pam Kinghorn, director of the Beautiful Kidz Centre, the project is in full swing with eight of the 15 women employed on a full time basis.“Anusa aims to uplift the community by establishing a self-sustaining needlework business which creates jobs and offers quality school uniforms to the community,” Kinghorn said.In its quest to address poverty and unemployment in previously disadvantaged communities, Bank Windhoek this week donated N$80 000 to the Beautiful Kidz Centre. The funds will be used to purchase the needed equipment for Anusa.Blier commended Bank Windhoek for their support. “Without their help we would not have been able to get going in order to manufacture uniforms for the new school year,” she said. “We see that Anusa empowers the caregivers in our community, restores their dignity and enable them to provide for their families,” Blier added.Beautiful Kidz is a day care facility which provides care and support to vulnerable children and their families.At present, about 85 children are benefiting from the care centre and another 230 from the after school programme. Programme activities include homework classes, computer classes and holiday school.